District introduces AP Human Geography

In continuing its educational mission to provide a challenging, rigorous curriculum for all students to prepare them for college, the district has implemented, for the first time in its history, Advanced Placement Human Geography in all four of its schools.

AP Human Geography is a course focusing on the human impact on earth, and introduces students to the study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use and alteration of the earth’s surface and atmosphere. Through the course, students develop a geographic understanding of historical and current events, while learning about and employing methods geographers use, including observation, data gathering and reporting, technical writing, mapmaking and more.

The course, which provides students with the opportunity to earn college credit, advanced placement or both, is available to students in grades nine through 12 and explores a number of issues, ranging from natural resource depletion, sustainability and alternative fuel technology, among others.

“It is an interdisciplinary look at how human kind — culture — is shaped by environmental conditions and in turn modifies that same environment,” said Dr. Thomas Troisi, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction. “This is also a unique course of study in that it will provide our students, especially our ninth-graders, with an opportunity to challenge themselves with rigorous college-level course work.”

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Bill Heidenreich echoed those sentiments, noting that the course enables students to refine their analytical and problem-solving skills through engaging in coursework that calls for creative and critical thinking. The implementation of the course, he explained, comes as more students continue to embrace Advanced Placement courses. The district recently announced its record-high number of 290 students who earned AP Scholar Awards for their outstanding achievement on Advanced Placement exams.

“I commend Dr. Troisi, our teachers and social studies chairs for their commitment in bringing this course to our classrooms,” said Dr. Heidenreich. “We are pleased that more students continue to embrace the college-level courses available to them, and remain confident that this new course will be well-received throughout the district.”